Surely they've registered this by now - if anyone knows, do tell - I'm too tired to look it up on the RHS. I don't know why this hybrid always grabs my attention - I almost always gravitate towards vinicolors and classic green/white paphs. But here it is, shapely and dependable as always:

I also have a few dumb questions to ask (as in, I should know the answers by now). I know once a paph spikes, it orients itself toward the light and shouldn't be moved again. Does this mean that it looks face first into the light? What if it's receiving light from directly above, or from two sources? And how does one keep the leaves from rising on the side towards the light as well? I also read you're not supposed to stake it until the bloom has set, or it will hang face downward. How exactly does THAT work? And can you manipulate the direction it faces in so that it looks balanced with the leaves?

I'd love some input on this - it might come in handy if any of my paphs ever bloom again.

One of my favorites. It is their time as mine is in bloom also. In reponse to some of your questions I'll tell you what works for me. I am sure everyone who grows them have their own thoughts and practices. My paphs are always getting moved around during watering and never end up in the same spot or position and I have had no problems with the spike or having them bloom. I am careful with my phals to make sure they are positioned the same once in spike. I begin to secure mine to supports once the spike is tall enough to allow me to do so. Once they open I secure the head (bloom) to the spike making sure I place the clip or whatever I am usung as close to the bloom as possible. You always want the bloom to be facing you and looking up at u as much as possible--at least if you want to show it. Sometimes I need to bend my wire support a little to achieve this. These are things that were shared with me by an experienced grower/exhibitor and I have done well at shows and on the orchid society table following this regimine. Manipulation of the bloom is easy as long as you are gentle with it. Hope this helps you and am looking forward to hearing from others regarding your queries.

One of my favorites. It is their time as mine is in bloom also. In reponse to some of your questions I'll tell you what works for me. I am sure everyone who grows them have their own thoughts and practices. My paphs are always getting moved around during watering and never end up in the same spot or position and I have had no problems with the spike or having them bloom. I am careful with my phals to make sure they are positioned the same once in spike. I begin to secure mine to supports once the spike is tall enough to allow me to do so. Once they open I secure the head (bloom) to the spike making sure I place the clip or whatever I am usung as close to the bloom as possible. You always want the bloom to be facing you and looking up at u as much as possible--at least if you want to show it. Sometimes I need to bend my wire support a little to achieve this. These are things that were shared with me by an experienced grower/exhibitor and I have done well at shows and on the orchid society table following this regimine. Manipulation of the bloom is easy as long as you are gentle with it. Hope this helps you and am looking forward to hearing from others regarding your queries.

Yes, indeed, that is VERY helpful. I have been kind of doing what you suggest and feeling guilty that I'm breaking the rules somehow, so thanks for the help!

OrchidTalk --An Orchid Growers Discussion Forum brought to you by River Valley Orchidworks. A World Community where orchid beginners and experts talk about orchids and share tips on their care, cultivation, and propagation.